U.S. President Donald Trump said he will call the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began in February 2026, not a "war" but a "military operation." He made this remark jokingly at a dinner with Republican congressmen, explaining that the term "war" requires Congressional approval, which he does not have. That position has sparked serious constitutional debate, since it is Congress, under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, that has the power to declare war, and Democrats accuse the administration of unilateral actions without legislative mandate.
The fighting has already caused significant losses: according to The Wall Street Journal, 13 American soldiers were killed and 210 wounded in the first two weeks. U.S. and Israeli strikes have inflicted serious damage on Iran, including the deaths of political and military leaders, as well as the destruction of military facilities, infrastructure, and energy installations. Trump publicly boasted about the scale of the destruction and control over Iranian airspace, which prompted criticism from analysts about excessive use of force.
In response, Iran launched missile strikes and used drones against targets in Israel and, according to the U.S., against American facilities in Gulf countries. These attacks caused civilian casualties and worsened Tehran’s relations with some neighbors. Among Israeli targets were sensitive sites such as Dimona near the nuclear reactor. Iran continues to reject U.S. conditions for halting operations related to its nuclear and missile programs, showing the capability for counteraction despite the damage it has sustained.
Despite the legal disputes, the White House confirmed Trump’s readiness to "deliver an even stronger strike on Iran" if it does not accept defeat. At the same time, the U.S. is deploying thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. According to sources, the president has expressed a desire to avoid a protracted war and told advisers that the conflict may be approaching a concluding phase. However, options for further escalation, including a possible seizure of the oil island of Kharg, remain on the table, especially if diplomatic efforts fail.
On the international stage, countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are attempting to act as mediators in potential ceasefire talks. However, details about the time and place of any negotiations remain unclear. Tensions persist as Washington and Tehran stick to hardline positions on the terms for stopping operations, complicating the search for a swift resolution.
Given the situation, there remains a risk of the conflict expanding or violence resuming. Uncertainty is exacerbated by the unclear position of the U.S. Congress and the possibility of legislative inquiries into the conditions under which the so-called "military operation" is being conducted. The future of the confrontation remains murky, and diplomatic prospects are doubtful until both sides show willingness to compromise.
Comments on the news
- What is the nuclear facility in Dimona and why is it considered a sensitive target? - The nuclear facility in Dimona is an Israeli nuclear research center that is widely believed to be linked to the development of nuclear weapons. It is considered a sensitive target because of its strategic role in Israel’s presumed nuclear arsenal and its symbolic significance in regional confrontations, particularly for Iran, which does not recognize Israel.
- Why does the island of Kharg have strategic importance for Iran and the region? - Kharg Island is Iran’s main oil export terminal in the Persian Gulf. It is strategically important because a large share of Iran’s oil exports passes through it, which is critical for Iran’s economy and the stability of global energy markets. Any disruption to the terminal’s operations could affect global oil supplies.
- What are the historical and current relations between Iran and Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, which are acting as mediators? - Iran’s relations with Pakistan are complex, featuring elements of cooperation (trade, border ties) and tension (Sunni–Shia differences, border incidents). With Turkey there is a mix of historical rivalry (Ottoman Empire vs. Persia) and current pragmatic partnership (economics, regional issues). Relations with Egypt have been historically strained since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but in recent years cautious rapprochement has emerged. These countries act as mediators using their unique positions: Pakistan as a neighboring Muslim country, Turkey as a NATO member with ties to Iran, and Egypt as an influential Arab state.
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